In what is believed to be a first for any local government council in Australia, the Hobart City Council has voted in favour of the removal of a colonial monument.
The decision was made following a two-year staged project by the City of Hobart – Crowther Reinterpreted – in which temporary artworks were installed at the site of the statue and followed by extensive community engagement and consultation to explore a permanent response.
The statue of Dr William Crowther has been problematic for decades largely due to his role in the theft of the skull of palawa/ Tasmanian Aboriginal man William Lanne.
The Council decision will still require further consideration and planning approval. This planning approval will be subject to assessment of the local and state heritage processes.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the passing of this motion demonstrates the leadership required for a progressive city that wants to be a welcoming, safe place for all people to live.
“This decision is the city saying that we want to prioritise truth-telling in our most prominent city square.
“Tonight’s vote says we believe as a council, and as a city, that it’s time to celebrate and acknowledge a more honest representation of our past. It’s the beginning of an important new chapter in our history.”
The Chair of the council’s Community, Culture and Events Committee, Councillor Dr Zelinda Sherlock, passed on her thanks for the significant work of the council officers and the wider community and stakeholders.
“This is the zeitgeist of our times, whether it be globally, nationally or locally. The zeitgeist of our times demands that we talk about and challenge the actions of our history. We talk about it. And these are the times to talk about it,” Councillor Dr Sherlock said.
“I’m very proud to be here tonight in this moment talking about it and it’s important to note that within our City of Hobart Vision that the community asks us to be bold and brave and this is one of those opportunities to listen and respond to our community.
“Sovereignty was never ceded, this was and always will be Aboriginal land.
“By removing the statue, we don’t take away history, if anything it encourages more open discussion about it.”
Further to the decision by Council for partial removal, elected members also agreed to the officer recommendation for a Monuments Policy to be developed by the City of Hobart.
